Contact Us

Greetings from the organizers of the 2nd Annual Great Lakes Environmental Festival which will be held in Manistee, MI on Friday April 21 and Saturday April 22, 2023.


We want to invite your organization to participate in the initial “Environmental Exposition” on Saturday April 22nd. You will be able to set up your information table/booth at 9AM and the Expo will open to the public at 10AM and run to 3PM that day. This will be a great opportunity for your organization to promote the great work you are doing in the Great Lakes Region to improve the overall quality of the environment.


There will be no charge to participate in this Expo. We ask that you provide your own tables and limit your display area to no more than an 8’x10’ footprint. This venue will not have electricity available for all displays. If you would like to have a display location with electricity, we will assign those on a first come/first-served basis.


We would also invite your organization to provide a subject matter expert speaker who will be featured for a 30–45-minute presentation on either Friday April 21st or Saturday April 22nd at the West Shore Community College campus on River Street in downtown Manistee. We see this as another great opportunity for your organization to promote your work in this region.


I am sure that you would like to learn more about the Great Lakes Environmental Festival before you make any commitments. Please use these links to explore our efforts:


• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GR8FESTIVAL/

• 2022 Festival News Video: https://www.9and10news.com/2022/04/22/great-lakes-environmental-festival-hosts-first-earth-day-event-in-manistee/


Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.


Please respond directly to me via email to confirm your intent to be a part of the 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival.

Hello, I would like to know more about your group to decide if I would like to support you. I will first share a bit about me; I am Janice K. Means, PE, LEED AP, FASHRAE, FESD, LTU Professor Emerita. I am on the Board of Directors of the GLREA, and very active with ASHRAE (voting member of the technical committees related to climate change, solar and other renewables, and sustainable buildings. I am also the Chair of the ASHRAE TC 2.5 Climate Change committee responsible for updating the 2021 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook Climate Change Chapter (co-author of the original). The 6th edition of the ASHRAE GreenGuide —Design, Construction, and Operation of Sustainable Buildings book will be out in February; I am a co-author and co-editor. Janice K. Means

Hi Friends: The Climate Witness Project’s advocacy arm (GRAAT) is developing our legislative priorities for the next 2 years. Have you guys at MCAN articulated your legislative agenda?


Thanks!

I am getting my chops up in the world of Michigan environmental policy and your podcast “Speaking of Resilience” has been an invaluable asset. I am so sad that there are no more episodes! I have now listened to every episode and am dying for more. I absolutely love Kate’s work and would love it if there were more episodes! I love all that you do- thank you!

We need to get to Net Zero quickly, but we need to make sure our changes are scalable and affordable. Electrification is great, but is not scalable because we are already running out of cheap copper. This organization should look into other non-copper based renewable energies like Methanol Economy that use our existing liquid fuel infrastructure and can ramp up vast quantities of renewable energy without causing more infrastructure costs and inflation in our economy.


We also need to make this a global activity. The US is already leading in renewable energy in the world. But it is the growth of fossil fuel energy usage in the 3rd world that is the problem with increased fossil fuel usage on this planet. Like the Panama Canal, we need to invest in growth of vast solar thermal renewable energy projects in Peru and Chile that have the unused land and the solar intensity to produce renewable energy cheaper than fossil fuel production.

Hello! My name is Karina Prieto and I am a Journalism student at MSU. I am currently working on a story for my JRN 200 class and I am wondering if there is anyone in your organization who would be available for a very quick phone interview.


The story is about how the CEO of the clothing brand Patagonia donated the entire $3billion of the company to help fight climate change. If you are unfamiliar with this story, here is the original story link: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/patagonia-donates-its-entire-3-billion-estimated-worth-to-fighting-climate-change/


This is not a super formal or pressing interview. It would maybe take 10 minutes. I reached out because I thought someone may be able to offer some valuable insight on the impact this could have on the world and our community and to even talk about how important climate change really is.


(This story won’t be published anywhere. It is just an assignment for practice).


I hope to hear back soon.


Blessings,

Karina Prieto

[email protected]

7144774368

My name is Sara Snyder, I am the Project Director of a new research study at the University of Michigan called MI-CARES. I want to share some information with you in hopes that we may be able to work together to spread the word about this project to the listeners and followers of Michigan Climate Action Network.


The MI-CARES initiative is motivated by the history of toxic environmental exposures and injustice in Michigan such as PBB contamination in the 1970s, lead and Flint’s water crisis, the dioxane plume in Ann Arbor, urban oil refineries and industrial pollution in Detroit, and, more recently, widespread PFAS exposure. Michiganders deserve to know how these exposures are impacting their health.


MI-CARES is a statewide research study based at the University of Michigan that seeks to uncover the impact of environmental exposures on our health. We aim to enroll at least 100,000 Michiganders (ages 25-44) primarily in areas identified as “hotspots” of environmental injustice, as well as throughout the whole state of Michigan. Results from this study will help improve Michiganders’ health and inform policy to reduce environmental injustice and hazardous exposures.


Because your podcast aims to “connect and amplify individuals, communities, and organizations confronting the climate crisis in Michigan” we felt that your listeners would find interest in our work and might feel compelled to learn more. We respect the work of your team and would like to learn more about how you think we could work together in a way that is mutually beneficial.


I look forward to hearing from someone on your team to discuss potential collaborations.

N.M.E.A.C. (Norther Michigan Environmental Action Council) has recently formed a Climate Change Committee. We would like to have a MICAN representative join us.

Hello environmentalist friends!


As many of you know, the Huron river was recently poisoned by Tribar company. In late July, plant 5 overrode 460 waste treatment alarms in 3 hours as they dumped 8,000 gallons of 5% hexavalent chromium solution into the river. This toxic carcinogen is now poisoning our drinking water, food, and river ecosystem. Even before this event, Tribar has been routinely dumping toxins such as PFAS, lead, and cyanide into the Huron, thanks to dangerously relaxed waste permits and regulations.


It’s time to call out Tribar for their irresponsibility and absolute disregard of safety. On Friday 23rd, students of the University of Michigan and members of the community will protest together outside of Tribar plant 5. We invite you all to stand with us. The plant is located at 48668 Alpha Drive in Wixom, and there is parking across the street. We will gather on the sidewalk around 12pm so the employees will see us during their lunch break.


If possible, please let us know by the end of this week if you plan to come so we can estimate how many people will be gathered ([email protected]). Even if you cannot participate, please help us by spreading the word. We also encourage you to flood the company with complaints using phone calls, emails, and letters. Here is a document of contact information (https://cryptpad.fr/sheet/#/2/sheet/view/XszTIW4QNgqvPpg+LaFAwUy4EUFdGA77FF1j4INHe+U/). Tribar must be held accountable.


-Fight for the Huron campaign

Hello,

My name is Tristan Brink, I live in Brighton and I’m curious about potential job openings. I graduated from Washtenaw Community College last month with an Associate degree in Environmental Science. I’ve already looked into the Climate Action Network Communications Specialist position on your website, but I lack some of the qualifications. With that being said, I’d still like an opportunity to work for the organization, so I’m wondering if there are other positions in or around Washtenaw/Livingston County?

Thanks and have a great day!

Hello,

My name is Kirsten and I recently started a local chapter for Fridays For Future in Royal Oak. Fridays For Future is an international, intersectional movement of students striking for climate. I was reaching out to see if there were any high school or college students that would be interested in joining.

For more information: https://fridaysforfutureusa.org/ and @fridaysforfuture.royaloak

Hello,


Small business owners are particularly heavily struck as inflation rises.


Would it be okay if I write an article for your website about how small businesses can make ends meet while coping with inflation?


My aim is that the information presented will assist small businesses who have already been impacted by the pandemic in surviving these trying times. I’m also hoping that the piece earns a spot on your site.


Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll start working on the piece right away.


Thank you for your consideration.

Alexandra Teeter

[email protected]

Worksowell.com

Hello,


Small business owners are particularly heavily struck as inflation rises.


Would it be okay if I write an article for your website about how small businesses can make ends meet while coping with inflation?


My aim is that the information presented will assist small businesses who have already been impacted by the pandemic in surviving these trying times. I’m also hoping that the piece earns a spot on your site.


Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll start working on the piece right away.


Thank you for your consideration.

Alexandra Teeter

[email protected]

Worksowell.com

Hello,


My name is Taryn Indish and I am the student representative for the Northwestern Michigan College Green Team. Here at NMC we have a Campus Sustainability Committee along with a student club. Our mission is to promote environmental advocacy and justice on campus. 

It has been a great year full of amazing events including Bioregional Mapping with Author Stephanie Mills, outdoor yoga with local instructor Sarah Townsend, native pollinator garden plantings, growing your own produce, and many volunteering days with local conservation districts. As the NMC Green Team approaches the new school year, we decided to introduce ourselves to our environmentally forward neighbors. 

We would love to talk about the potential of joining you for meetings, volunteering, or any events of ours you would be interested in hosting or attending! All of our events are open to the public. 


NMC Green team is drafting up the first rough draft of an Environmental Conservation Networking event in partnership with NMC, Michigan Works, and Jobs for Michigan Youth. We are hoping to have this event open to the public and hosted in 2023. We are looking to highlight some local conservation organizations and provide a platform for your voices to be amplified and reach our student body and those interested in getting involved. If this sounds like something you would like to join us for, please let us know! We would love to start the planning process and get a headcount for tables and attendees. 


We hope this email reaches you well and I look forward to networking and possibly partnering to share a spotlight on your work as an organization. 

Thank you so much for your consideration,


Taryn

Hello,


I hope you are doing well. I am emailing on behalf of the Michigan High School Democrats with the purpose of recruiting more members. If you know of any high school students within your organization that may be interested in joining us, please give them this link. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out or visit our Instagram (@mihsdems), which has all of our information.


Thank you,

Neil Sachdeva

Development Director

Michigan High School Democrats

Hi – I’m interested in writing a free article for your website that provides start-to-finish details on how to set up a nonprofit organization. The article will include information on choosing a cause, financials, logistics, daily management, securing donations, keeping your nonprofit running and finding/recruiting volunteers.


If you are interested in this, please let me know and we can discuss further details as needed. 


Otherwise, I’m ready to start writing as soon as I hear back from you.


I look forward to hearing from you soon!


Sincerely,

Holli Richardson

[email protected]

I am a rising sophomore in high school and am looking for ways to volunteer at your organization.

Hi Folks,


I am so thankful for your work. I hope you have seen me retweeting and sharing your posts. I absolutely love your Good News Fridays.


I am currently the pastor at Pilgrim Congregational UCC in St. Joseph and have been in the southwest Michigan area for about two years. During that time, I have done my level best to advocate for climate policy that radically changes our current path. I presented on climate change at our last Southwest Association meeting this past fall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMxW9A3h58E).


Nationally, I belong to the United Church of Christ Council on Climate Justice. We are currently asking our national church to divest from fossil fuels and have entered into a partnership with Honor the Earth.


I have been asked to see what initiatives with Line 5 might already be happening in Michigan. Being new (coming from Billings, Montana), I do not have the breadth of relationships I hope I might have several years out. So I am wondering if you could help me out with any initiatives or actions (annually or this year) planned for Line 5 resistance. We are seeking to bring our national profile to potential local work around Line 5. Would you be willing to share with me planned or potential actions? And how might I volunteer and make a path for relationship in southwest Michigan? To whom or what organizations should I reach out?


Thanks for any help you can give me. Please feel free to call if that would be easier for you.


Grace and peace,

Rev. Mike Mulberry

Hello MiCAN Team,


My name is Julia Curtis and I am currently a junior at Grand Valley State University, majoring in both Environmental Sustainability Studies and Statistics.


I am looking for either a summer internship, or an internship during this upcoming year, that is related to my majors. I came across your website and fell in love with what you guys do!


If an internship is an option in the near future, please let me know because I would love to join your team.


Thank you for your time,


Julia Curtis

I went to the road commission this morning to ask for an exception for a tree. I discovered that the road commission is out of touch with the public. They do not know what we want, and they do not care. They had the job of notifying all of those impacted by this Fixed Object Removal Project, and they failed. They say that they sent out post cards and put an ad in the paper. I, and all of my neighbors, did not receive a post card. Hell, they don’t even have my name correct in their planning records so how in the hell are they sure they sent me something?! And nobody reads the paper anymore, so that is no longer a reliable source of getting information out. Using the paper shows how out of touch they are.

The tree that I was asking for an exception for sits in one of the lowest spots on Millington Road. This area is prone to flooding. I explained to them that having this healthy tree and it’s established root system in place helps keep the ground stable and prevents my driveway was from washing out.

They completely ignored me. Instead stating that had I made the request 6 month ago, that they would have granted it. As this tree falls into the area where they were making exceptions. But now that they have the “plan” in place, that they can’t make an exception for me, because then it would open it up for others to ask for exceptions.

Don’t we have the right as voting, tax paying, homeowners to request exceptions to things such as this? If they failed to notify me and other homeowners of a project that impacts me, shouldn’t they be willing to listen to us now?

I asked them if when my driveway washes out because of their actions if I could bring them the repair bill, they laughed and again dismissed me.

The board was dismissive and arrogant. One member actually said that we needed to hurry along so that they could get to another issue. They simply DO NOT CARE what we as homeowners want or what we think.

I am disturbed by what I witnessed this morning.


I need help stopping the slaughter of these trees that will impact our environment.

Did we miss sending in our dues?. The Climate Stick Project was a member in the past.

I would like to be removed from your mailing list:

John Carl Faust

22140 Averhill Street, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.

Thank you.

I would like to point out the irony of the fact that the first sentence of your letter states “everywhere we look we see the heartbreaking impacts of climate change”, and yet here you are mailing out goodness knows how many letters 99.9% of which probably end up in the land fill. Just a thought.

Please view NPR link for restoring hydroelectric as pumped storage, like a giant battery, to solve the problem of intermittent solar and wind energy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMBDyAiC4fc

How involved is Climate Action with Microplastics and plastics ghg emissions?

Hello,


I am a student at Northwestern Michigan College and I am putting together a podcast for a research project for the end of the semester in my freshwater science class. My idea for my project was a podcast including indigenous people or people who work to protect treaty rights and conservation for the tribe. My project objective is to convey why people should care about conservation of water and sustainability. I was also going to add at the end small ways they could change their lifestyle to help improve and move towards restoration of the earth. If you are interested in participating or know anyone who would be interested, please let me know! I am planning on putting together a questionnaire and possibly meeting via zoom to be able to capture your input on this topic.


If you know anyone who would be interested in participating let me know!


Thank you!

—

Taryn Indish (she/her)

Northwestern Michigan College

Freshwater Science and Sustainability

Student, Class of 2025

Phone: (906) 322-7331

How are you doing? Well, I hope!

Kids are generally a lot smarter (sometimes too smart…) than we think they are. Especially when it comes to leading greener, cleaner lives. They often know more about recycling, or about how eco friendly energy works than we do. It’s great to see.

What are the reasons our kids can be so much better than adults at knowing how to be more eco-conscious?

I’m someone who formerly worked in environmental health and now work as a writer. This subject is one that’s close to my heart, and it’d be great to share some hints and tips with you!

I’d love to write an article for miclimateaction.org on the reasons why kids are better at being eco-conscious than adults. I was looking at https://www.miclimateaction.org/extinction_rebellion_rally_east_lansing while researching an article and it crossed my mind that your audience would welcome a blog post on this idea because we all need to get better at living greener, eco-friendly lives! All I’d ask for in return is a mention of a site I’ve worked on before within the resources.

I’d also be happy to write around any other ideas you had too. Of course, the article will be tailored to your existing content and fully referenced for accuracy.

Can I send a piece over for you to read?

Sincere regards,

Sara

Does this group meet up in person or online monthly?

Hi!


Could I write an article for your site about the tax advantages of hiring freelancers vs. full-time employees? While this option won’t work for all small businesses, I believe many more small business owners would consider this if they knew how financially advantageous it can be.


What do you think? May I write this for you and send it your way?


Thanks so much.

Vanessa Holwell

hiringsquad.net

Dear Michigan Climate Action Network


I’m a professor in California, and I just finished a very foreboding video entitled “Climate Emergency: It’s dangerously close to being too late to act.”


It is very much of the same mind as Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg, and, indeed, Greta gets the last word.


I hope you have a chance to take a look. Please feel free to use this in any way you wish or, if you might wish to have this delivered live, I would be most honored. I always wanted to visit Traverse City!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtdXT6Qs4yM&t=5s


All the best,


Jerry Kroth, Ph.D.

Associate Professor Emeritus

Santa Clara University

University email: [email protected]